New Poll Shows Most Texans Disagree with Walkout by Fugitive Democrat Legislators

THE AUSTIN REVIEW ^ | May 24, 2003

[anymouse]

BASELICE & ASSOCIATES, INC.

Opinion Research for Decision Making in Politics and Public Affairs

131 Spicewood Springs Road Suite O-2 Austin, TX 78759 Office: 512-345-9720 Fax: 512-345-9740 email: mail@baselice.com

TEXAS VOTER SURVEY SUMMARY

Over five out of six voters (86%) are aware Democrat representatives left Texas to avoid voting on certain pieces of legislation. By a two and a half to one ratio, Texas voters share the viewpoint that the Democrat state representatives did the wrong thing by leaving the state. Moreover, a majority of voters (53%) strongly think the Democrat representatives did the wrong thing, with 83% of Republicans and 51% of ticket-splitters sharing these intense opinions.

Have you seen, read, or heard anything recently about Democrat state representatives leaving the State of Texas and going to Oklahoma to avoid voting on certain pieces of legislation pending in the state house?

- 86% Yes

- 13% No

Regardless of what you may have seen or heard, 53 Democrat state representatives submitted a letter on Monday morning to the speaker of the state house indicating they would not be present and would remain out of state indefinitely. Do you think these state representatives did the (Version A: right thing or wrong thing) / (Version B: wrong thing or right thing) by leaving the state?

If choice made, ask: Do you feel strongly about that?

- 19% Right thing / Strongly

- 4% Right thing / Somewhat

- 23% TOTAL RIGHT THING

- 6% Wrong thing / Somewhat

- 53% Wrong thing / Strongly

- 59% TOTAL WRONG THING

- 18% Unsure/ refused (vol)

After hearing arguments about this issue from opposing sides, approximately six out of ten voters (59%) continue to share the viewpoint that the Democrat state representatives did the wrong thing. The table shows responses to this question among partisan subgroups.

Please listen to the following two viewpoints regarding the 53 state representatives who left Texas and then tell me which one comes closest to your own. Rotate statements

Some/Other people say the 53 Democrat state representatives did the right thing because they are legitimately using the rules of the legislature designed to protect against the tyranny of the majority; because they are fighting against a partisan power grab on congressional redistricting; and because they have been ignored by the state house leadership one too many times this legislative session.

Other/Some people say the 53 Democrat state representatives did the wrong thing because they were elected to be in Austin during the legislative session representing their constituents, not running away to Oklahoma; and because they have caused all business in the state house to come to a halt, including important legislation to fund schools and health care programs.

Now, which of these viewpoints comes closest to your own?

If choice made, ask: Do you feel strongly about that?

- 25% Right thing / Strongly

- 7% Right thing / Somewhat

- 33% TOTAL RIGHT THING

- 8% Wrong thing / Somewhat

- 50% Wrong thing / Strongly

- 59% TOTAL WRONG THING

- 9% Unsure/ refused (vol)

Baselice & Associates, Inc. conducted a statewide survey on May 15, 2003 among N=504 registered voters in Texas. This survey has a margin of error of + 4.5% at the .95 test level.

[anymouse]

They provided contact info., so why don't you ask them.

[bigj00]

There is only one survey that matters and that is on election day.

[jagrmeister]

I am very encouraged that Texans saw through the smokescreen of the liberal media and assessed the Tex Dems as the irresponsible cowards they are by 2 to 1. It's trying to see the media lionize the Chicken D's but ultimately the people's good sense prevails. That's heartening and it explains why despite the best efforts of the media, the American people love America, respect this President, and vote into office a majority of Republicans.